Sister, support group give breast cancer patient strength

Although Cheryl Simonsen had her yearly mammograms routinely for more than 20 years, she never expected to get the call telling her the test showed something abnormal.

“I had my annual screening mammogram in February and received a letter saying that something showed up on my mammogram that needed follow-up,” Simonsen said. “When I saw the lesion on the sonogram, I knew it was malignant. I never expected this — other health issues maybe, but not this!”

Choosing to go through chemotherapy radiation treatments, Simonsen said she has had good and bad days since being diagnosed eight months ago.

“It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, but I’ve been up more than I’ve been down,” she said. “I had six rounds of chemotherapy consisting of Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin. I still receive IV Herceptin every three weeks as I am HER2 positive. HER2 is a protein that about 25 to 30 percent of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have. I am over halfway finished with my radiation treatments, and am also taking Letrozole, a pill I will take for five years.”

Friends of Simensen think her strength has come from her Kansas farmer roots, raised with the philosophy that “You just do what you have to do,” which in her case is any treatment her doctors suggest.

But Simensen said the true reason is the support from her sister.

“My sister Nik has been my rock,” she said. “She has been positive and supportive throughout this journey, although I know it has been hard for her, too. She told me that she just wished so much she could take this away so I would not have to go through it.”

Simensen also has found support through others who have survived the journey she is on.

Attending Breast Cancer Survivors support group through the Harrington Breast Center, she said she has made new friends and found the sessions to be encouraging.

While fighting her battle, Pinktober has developed a new meaning for Simonsen.

“In the past, I have read the articles, but this year it will certainly have a more personal meaning for me,” she said. “I think it is an important way to get the word out — people’s personal stories have always helped me connect to a cause. I have not been involved for breast cancer in the past, but when my treatment is finished, I plan to become involved.”